I hope your summer fun list includes a trip to an amusement park or two. Nothing gets the blood pumping like circling a track at a hundred miles per hour while simultaneously crying, laughing, and screaming. That’s good stuff. But before you fill the water bottles and load the kids into the minivan for a day of sweltering, screaming fun, I need to let you in on a secret your brain already knows.
It starts with a feeling sociologists call “museum fatigue.” It’s a phenomenon our brains experience in big spaces like amusement parks or museums. It’s a general sense of being lost or exhausted that comes from hanging out in such a large space.
“Museum fatigue” could give park-goers a bad experience, causing them to leave the park and not return. But architects have learned that we’re less likely to become overwhelmed if they include a large visual landmark. They’re looking out for us and their bottom line by ensuring we’re willing to stay on the grounds long enough to fork over the cash for overpriced lemonade and nachos.
Think about it: Cinderella’s Castle at Walt Disney World. Spaceship Earth at Epcot Center. The 150-foot “Big Wheel” Ferris wheel at Six Flags. Each offers its own brand of fun, sure, but they also give a reference point to come back to, something to focus on when we feel overwhelmed, overtired, or just over it altogether.
Paul never made it to Disney World, but he must’ve known a thing or two about feeling anxious, overwhelmed or disoriented. Here, in Romans 8, he shoots up a flare of truth for the believer to come back to every time we feel the same.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to his purpose.
—Romans 8:28
If this is one of those feel-good verses that’s become so familiar you’re tempted to race past it—STOP. This is the mother lode, friends! If God can use all things for our good and His glory, nothing can knock us off kilter. He makes us sure-footed. It’s the kind of steady posture that caused Paul to restate the truth in Romans 8:18,
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
—Romans 8:18
Paul describes the process of redemption—that supernatural metamorphosis whereby God makes all things new (Revelation 21:1–6). Paul was so anchored in the gospel that no wind could capsize him. That’s not new news, but this may be: the steadiness of Paul is possible for us too.
God’s promise means He’s already at work, reshaping everything for good. Nothing can stop the redemption process (Isaiah 65:17). Not death, not life, not angels nor rulers. Not this moment or all the tomorrows to come. Nothing can stop God from working all things for good—not even you.
Life is big. It’s easy to feel lost or overwhelmed or like we want off the ride, but God’s truth anchors us against museum fatigue. The story of redemption gives us a point to come back to when we feel alone or afraid. The next time you feel overwhelmed, overtired, or just plain over it, look up. The same cross that steadied Paul in the face of unthinkable trials will steady you.
Leave a Reply
57 thoughts on "From Groans to Glory"
I love that if I look up at the cross I will see the same God who strengthened Paul and it is the very same God who strengthens me. He is the same through generations. The Alpha and the Omega!
Alison you maybe we see this given the timing but wanted you to know I will be praying for your son, I have a nephew who was born with seizures they think from a stroke he had before he was born. Ultimately they were able to do surgery to stop the seizures, he still has a lot of challenges but is now a thriving 6 year old. Wanted to share to give you some hope
♥️
Alison, praying this morning for you and your son.
I love reading a post that will make people
think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
Wow- todays reading has a big star next to it and encapsulates the hope of the gospel for those dealing with suffering and death. My one and a half year old has suffered from a rare and catastrophic seizure disorder for the past year. He can have up to hundreds of seizures a day, is very delayed, and not much is known about his future. These verses offer hope that the Lord is at work for good even when I cannot see it. That even though in this life we will experience death and decay His glory will ultimately win.
My husband and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary today. As I was reflecting on the last 5 years and some of the highs and lows we’ve been through together, I thanked God for strengthening our marriage despite some of the hardships we’ve been through. But then I thought, no, our marriage had been strengthened thanks to those hardships, not despite them. God does work everything together for our good. He doesn’t let things come into our lives if he can’t redeem those circumstances. The moments when we felt weakest were when he was working in our lives to strengthen us.
I have been with you all over the last 6ish years in every study with a friend, but this is the first time I have commented. I just wanted to share out of my own recent experiences, a thank you to SRT for this today.
For any who are experiencing profound loss, today’s readings are like water to the soul. Collected here together, are passages that encapsulate Christ, the Hope of Glory, the One who binds up the brokenhearted, wipes away every tear, and comes for us with a shout! These words indeed are Faithful and True. I am so grateful our God gives us His presence and comfort through the Holy Spirit and His Word! May you each experience His closeness today. <3
@VICTORIA E: praying for you! Hugs. May this struggle turn around for your good.
VICTORIA E – I’m praying you will feel God’s leading hand in the decision to stay or leave your current job. May you feel His guidance in this decision, and every day you are there. I pray for your mental health. I’m concerned that it’s to the point you feel afraid. I’m praying that God brings you the peace of knowing how important you are to him. I encourage you to reach out for help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. I’ve struggled with mental health issues most of my adult life, and can share that it is not something I can handle on my own. The help of a good counselor can make a huge difference when I’m feeling overwhelmed. If you need someone to talk to, I’m always available. You can email me at [email protected] God bless you, my sister.
@KRISTEN – thank you for reminding me of the words to The Revelation Song. What joy is coming!
For latest information you have to pay a visit world-wide-web
and on the web I found this web site as a best website for newest updates.
You really make it appear really easy along with
your presentation but I find this topic to be really one thing which
I believe I’d never understand. It sort of feels too complex and very huge for me.
I am having a look forward to your subsequent submit, I’ll try to get the dangle
of it!
Normally I do not read post on blogs, but I would like to say that
this write-up very compelled me to check out and
do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thank you, quite nice article.
Praying for you Lehua❤️
Victoria E, I pray you find the clarity to know what’s best for you! If that’s moving on, i pray you find the peace and joy in that without so much fear. ❤️
@Indiana Elaine – love the prayer you posted. I screen shotted it to write it down. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing devotional today. Lehua I’m sorry for all you are going through and will be praying. Sisters please continue to pray for my work and mental health, it has deteriorated so much to the point where I actually feel a bit afraid. I’m considering leaving this job, nothing can be worth my mental health but I’m afraid as I’ve only been here one year. Please pray for peace and wisdom. Thank you.
♥️
“26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. – Romans 8:26”
Praise God for sending us The Holy Spirit to articulate what we cannot.
I read here daily, pray often and comment seldom. Today I came across a prayer for the lonely, depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed by all of life’s responsibilities. So many here are experiencing these issues right now in this season of life. Some moments are too hard to carry within our own strength. Yet, we are reminded if there is breath in our body, God is not through with our story. Stay the course and know that you have a God who sees, who still cares, still heals, still comforts, and who uses the trials of this season to be a testimony for the next.
Lord, there are times when SRT sisters want to give up because of anxiety, sickness, pain and life’s responsibilities. Sometimes life’s circumstances feel crushing. God, I ask that when these moments come that you bring those who can see their pain to pray for them. I pray that you will bring them the comfort they need. Help their soul not to grow weary as they await things to change. Help them when the enemy attempts to steal their joy. Show them how to seek you more when they want to isolate. Lord, remind them of your plan for their life when they feel like they want to give up. We all need you, Lord, and we put our trust in you, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Me too
The museum fatigue, the life fatigue, the narrow road fatigue. I feel them every now and then. BUT the joy of the Lord is my strength. Praise the Lord, that because of Him, we can run and not be weary, we can walk and not faint, we can soar and we can find NEW strength (Isaiah 40:31). He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak (Isaiah 40:29). It is hard to draw joy and strength if we are not in a habit and discipline of doing that daily through intimate fellowship with God. How the world can draw us out through its “sweet” and creative distractions. In the secret place that we commune with God in spirit and in truth, where we worship and praise Him for what He has done, we are established, renewed, increased and secured. Fellowship with God might feel like work, but it’s not, it is recharging for the journey ahead.
@CINDY HANNA: I am so sorry that happened. My heart is so heavy hearing that (since that happened to me). Praying over you and the incident. May the Lord’s hand bring correction, repentance, healing, understanding where it is needed. May whatever that is not from God that exists in the environment, be exposed and uprooted by Him. God’s children must bow down only to God, and not the idol of religion.
@KIMBERLY Z: praying for your dad’s teeth implants and recovery.
@KELLY (NEO): have a safe trip! Praying for travel grace.
@MARIA BAER: praying for your training session to go well and may hearts be changed.
@LEHUA K: prayers for healing for you both, and God’s goodness amidst such hardship.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Isaiah 65:17
I’m hoping that when we go to heaven, we will remember our lives on earth.
Regeneration by the Holy Spirit brings a new and Divine life to the soul, though in a feeble state.
24 Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? 25 Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience. – Romans 8:24-25 Lord I pray today that we place all our HOPE in You Lord that we trust Your plan and know it’s for good!!! Lifting up you she’s in my prayers!
Oh what joy today’s readings bring! Both Romans 8:18 & 8:28.
Thessalonians 4:17-18 made me think of Tanner. The dead in Christ will arise first. Then we who are still alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage each other with these words.
Revelation 21:3-4 Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
Praise God! Praying over all requests!
Sisters, you are all precious to me. I am praying through each of the requests.
I love to be reminded that God works all for our good.
Have a blessed day!
@ Sharon Jersey Girl, thank you for praying for me. GOOD morning sweet She’s☀️
After an ugly start to the week where I was verbally (loudly) attacked during church service, I’ve been quietly keeping up with the daily readings and comments posted here. It’s been a lifeline. Yesterday I hit a wall and didn’t do the devotional or read comments from the community. I should have. I found solace for my wounded spirit. Thanks be to God that he hears our groaning and transforms it into glory. I want to echo others here who have urged us to listen to this week’s podcast. I’ve listened to it twice this week and intend to listen again today to take notes. Have a blessed day.
I love this reminder today…when we feel fatigued by this world, we can rest in God and know He is working! He always is working things for our good!
What a great reminder of where our anchor lies. It is in Christ! This week has been like a rollercoaster but I’m so thankful for God’s promise to use all things for our good. He steadies us and nothing can keep us from God’s love.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28. What a great reminder for my season of life. When I feel lost confused and frustrated it’s so good to know God will have GOOD things to come for me and good things to come for others as well. Ladies I’d love to ask for prayers for my dad today as my dad undergoes another big surgery today… Teeth implants! This has been a long road and I pray he does fine with everything. @MARIA BAER – praying for your manager situation! I have a similar coworker who is respected by many but also is very toxic. I don’t envy your situation but I know it will make you stronger. @LEHUA K – Praying for you and your husband will find healing from sickness! Also that your work situation dynamics will clear up! Happy Thursday ladies.
God has been reminding me to not forget who He was in my past. It is so easy to look at my current circumstance and let doubt try to steal the truth of who God is from me. The God who rescued me when I fell on my knees and asked Him if “Nothing But the Blood of Jesus” was truth- that only Jesus can atone for sin. He rescued me from the New Age and gave me eyes to see that I was filling my mind with false teaching and doubts. He paid my hospital debts that were over $40,000- I only paid 2k out of pocket. He helped me pay my car off in 8 months when I moved here in 2020. He is the lover of my soul when no one else sees me, He is there. If I ascend to heaven, He is there. If I make my bed in hell, behold, He is there. (Psalm 139). Lord, help us to remember who You are to us when the going gets rough and we don’t understand the purpose of our current lives.
I think of @Lauren GW- who is managing so much. God, please be very near to her and her family. Help her understand the path she should walk, day by day. Help her life for today and look to you, not thinking too far ahead. You are in our tomorrows. You say not to worry about them. Lord, help Lauren to see Your face in her day to day. Bless her husband and heal him. Lord, do miracles! In Jesus’s name! Amen.
@Jill P- God, bless Jill’s mother with peace that surpasses understanding. Let her family have the same peace – that only comes from you. Please help them to process this and be there for her mother as best able.
@Maria Baer- I appreciate your presence here online every day! May God give you favor and wisdom with this woman. May she have a listening spirit to your guidance and may she observe the truth in you. May the Lord bless your work!
@Lehua- I was praying for you last night! God sees you. The Lord help you surrender your worries to Him. The Lord guide you and help you understand His path for you. Sometimes, it looks different than what we want. Lol. More often than we want… Life looks different than what we hope for. May you keep your eyes on His glory and not fear tomorrow. I pray healing to you and your husband. May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
So many requests – praying God’s guidance and hope to you all!
Grateful that God not only meets us but intercedes on our behalf ♥️
Prayers sent!
One thing I hold on to when praying Romans 8:28, is to keep in mind that the situation is for First and formost, God’s glory. And Second, that my transformation into the likeness of Christ is the “good” goal for me.
I am on a business trip for the next few days, but will be praying for your requests!
Praying for you in this situation Maria. That won’t be easy.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, and are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 …Clinging to this verse today as I continue to pray for my sisters housing need. Still nothing on the horizon. I wrote this on my blackboard, to remind me every day, that God is watching: God knows, He sees, He has a plan. Psalm 33:13-15
Praying today for @Lehua H @Lauren GW @Victoria E @Caprice Robinson @Mari V @Jill P @Maria Baer @Rhonda J
Blessings to you all.
Romans 8:18 is one of my favorite verses. It means that when I mess up God can and will work it out for my good. It doesn’t mean that I won’t have consequences for my sin but it does mean that God is in control and if I serve Him, He will turn things around and make it good for me.
“God’s truth anchors us” … from feeling lost, anxious, and forgotten in our big world, big circumstances.
The cross that held my Savior will steady me. Thank You, Lord!
Praying for each of you!
THERESA and KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – great to hrar!
LEHUA K- lifting your requests right now!
So needed this today.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. NKJV
This verse. When I can’t make any sense of things, and losses feel too sad to bear, I have repeated these words to remind and drive home this truth. He is working all things for the good of us, He loves us, He has a plan, a great plan for our lives, even when we can’t see yet how He will do it.
Sisters, I am praying through each request.
Some of my favorite versus in Romans 8, particularly verses 26-27, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”
What a comfort. Sometimes I am distraught and don’t know even what to pray for, but God knows. The Spirit interprets my distress and God knows what’s best. ❤️
Thank you for this Bible study.Today there are so many distractions. It is good to concentrate on the unchanging,life giving word of God.
We can stand firm knowing that despite what the world may throw at us, God remains in control. No circumstance or set back surprises him. He’s got a plan for everything and is working all things together for our good and his glory. What encouraging truth that is!
Thank you ladies for your prayers yesterday! Yesterday was a wonderful day here and I felt God’s peace in my home all day. It was a good reminder that God cares even about the small things in our life.
LEHUA K- I am praying for your ankle, you and your husband’s health and your situation at work.
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN- praying today is another good day back for you.
RHONDA- praying for your back pain and the ministries you’re involved in.
KATIE L-praying for the visitations between your ex mother in law and your son and as you prepare for the next court hearing.
Creation groans. We groan. The spirit groans. Wow. Thank you Jesus for interceding for us and for the hope of redemption.
Amen, Erica.
I love today’s devotion and how fitting it is to my life. Friends, if I can ask for prayer. I am a manager (started in this new job 5 months ago) and already have to do a “coaching” session with an individual who is toxic, negative and confrontational. The things is, I don’t know that she realizes it. She is a valued member of our team and I want to give her the opportunity to adjust her attitude. And my prayer is that the Spirit guide me through this session with discernment, clarity and that He gives me the right words to say to her to convey that while we value her and her contributions, she also needs to be cognizant of how her attitude is affecting our working environment. So please, pray for this session today. It is much appreciated, She’s!
MARY ANN— i love this!
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.2 I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.
3 Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
5 Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.”Then he said to me, “It is done!I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life.
What amazing and powerful verses these are! I picture John being inspired to write Revelation and think of a video someone posted of The Revelation song by Phillips, Craig, and Dean where John is bowing down in reverence, because of Who and what He sees! What wonderful promises the Lord has let un know.I’ve read or heard some of these verses many times, but today I was smiling and remembering He is the Alpha and the Omega and His plans and purposes will prevail! He is omnipresent and omnipotent! What a relief that He is in control. Every tear will be wiped away!
May believers and the lost alike, by God’s Grace hear and understand these words, and be drawn to Him! May they and we echo the words in the Revelation song:
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Holy, holy is He
Sing a new song to Him who sits on
Heaven’s mercy seat
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You
Clothed in rainbows of living color
Flashes of lightning rolls of thunder
Blessing and honor strength and glory and power be
To You the only one who’s King
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come
With all creation I sing praise to the King of kings
You are my everything and I will adore You
Filled with wonder awestruck wonder
At the mention of Your name
Jesus Your name is power, breath and living water
Such a marvelous mystery
Praying for you all.
God can use all things for our good and his glory! What wonderful news to cling to in the midst of trials and suffering. I mean, it would nice to see the outcome NOW. When I’m lost in an amusement park, a blinking neon sign pointing “this way” would certainly be helpful. But sometimes trying to figure out the “why God, why!” behind our trials can be as confusing as trying to read those amusement park maps. All that is really clear to me in those things is the “you are here” marker. You are here, in your current circumstances, in your current suffering. But even if we were not sure how we will make it out, even if the road twists and turns and sin forces us to double back and try again, we hold to God’s promise: it WILL be for our good and his glory.
Ladies, I had a great first day back at school! I popped back on here after work and was overwhelmed and humbled by how many of you prayed for me by name. I’ll be lifting you up in prayer as well, especially those of you (us) battling anxiety, uncertainty, and physical issues. May we be restored in mind, body, and spirit. God may not have given us that obvious blinking neon sign pointing the way, but he gave us this beautiful community of women to walk alongside as we fumble our way forward. Relentlessly grateful for you!
I really needed to read this today ❤️ even though here in Hawai’i, it’s still Wednesday night (11:20pm)… it’s been a long day.
Romans 8:18 and Romans 8:28 are my anchors right now, to sustain me with hope and gratitude. Jesus has us! MARY ANN GRAVES, that was a beautiful quote from the Florida pastor, thank you for sharing. ❤️
Ladies, I could use some serious prayer. My husband and I came home early Tuesday morning from an amazing vacation, and resistance has hit us hard. I sprained my ankle when we landed last Friday in Washington, and thankfully God helped me to keep a great attitude the whole trip despite the setback. My husband has not been feeling well physically since the day we flew back (Monday afternoon) and upon testing this morning he is positive for COVID. I tested too but was negative, and despite us isolating, I’m starting to feel under the weather too. I went back to work today and am working completely remotely, and work has not been very sympathetic of what’s been happening. I feel some tension developing between our family business and my day job, which concerns me with taking time off for a business trip in mid October. I also have a surgery in late August to remove a polyp that has grown in my cervix and possibly led to very irregular, long, and heavy periods in the past year. I’m praying that it’s benign.
Sorry I know that was a lot… I’ve been holding a lot in lately and while I know God has got me, that He is still so good, and that I can find peace even in the darkest of valleys, He is reminding me of the power of group prayer and support. ❤️ Thank you for your prayers.
A pastor in Florida used to say the devil might put you on your back but he can’t keep you from looking up. I think this is so true. We need to keep our eyes and hearts on our Lord
The next time you feel overwhelmed, overtired, or just plain over it, look up. The same cross that steadied Paul in the face of unthinkable trials will steady you.
AMEN.
Holding fast to the One who works ALL things for good..
BUT GOD..
Happy Thursday dear hearts wrapped in blessings..❤️
❤️